Spotify is introducing a new functionality that integrates audio commentary with musical selections. This innovative format aims to replicate the experience of listening to a radio DJ or music expert sharing insights about the music. Furthermore, Spotify is empowering all users to create music-integrated podcasts through a connection with its Anchor podcasting application.

Spotify confirms that artists will receive the same compensation as standard streams when their music is included in these new shows, as the format utilizes Spotify’s existing music licensing agreements.

The listener experience will be tailored based on their Spotify subscription level.

Subscribers to Spotify Premium will have access to the complete tracks within the shows, while those using the free service will only hear 30-second song previews.

Listeners can interact with the music featured in the shows in the same way they would with a regular playlist—liking songs, saving tracks, or accessing additional information—without leaving the episode page or initiating a separate search. To do so, users can select “Explore Episode” on the show’s page or tap the play bar at the screen’s bottom to view the track list.

This new format shares similarities with Pandora’s Stories, which also blends music and podcasting, launched previously. However, Pandora’s offering centered on enabling artists to provide context for their music—such as discussing the inspiration or meaning behind a song—with access granted to select creators.

Spotify’s new feature is immediately available to all users in eligible regions.

Starting today, the Anchor app will allow any user to produce a show utilizing this format in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

The app’s update introduces a new “Music” tool, granting access to Spotify’s extensive music library of over 65 million tracks. Users can also link their Spotify accounts to browse and incorporate songs from their personal playlists into their shows.

This represents a significant advancement, as previous restrictions related to streaming rights made it challenging for podcast creators to seamlessly integrate licensed music into their content.

Creators can also monetize their shows through Anchor Sponsorships, which are currently in a beta phase. Spotify will manually review shows utilizing this format, a process that may take up to 24 hours.

Spotify anticipates expanding the feature to additional markets in the near future.

To coincide with the launch, Spotify is also releasing a collection of seven Spotify Original Shows that showcase the new format, accessible through the “Shows With Music” hub in the Browse section or a dedicated shelf in the Home tab.

The initial seven shows include (as described by Spotify):

• Halleloo Happy Hour with DJ Shangela – Join the vibrant DJ Shangela (A Star is Born, Ru Paul’s Drag Race) for a weekly playlist and happy hour, complete with games, guests, and lively conversation. Halleloo!
• Murder Ballads – Delve into the histories and folklore surrounding some of America’s most enigmatic and violent songs.
  60 Songs That Explain the 90s – Music critic Rob Harvilla from The Ringer examines 60 defining songs of the 1990s, exploring their impact on the decade.
• Our Love Song – Each week, a couple shares the musical soundtrack of their relationship, offering insights into love and romance.
• Conspiracy Theories: Music Edition – An in-depth exploration of intriguing theories surrounding famous artists and the music industry.
• Rock This with Allison Hagendorf – Celebrate Rock & Alternative culture each week with Allison Hagendorf, featuring unique interviews and music from established and emerging artists.
• 10 Songs That Made Me – An artist or celebrity shares a playlist of 10 songs that represent significant moments in their life, providing personal context for each selection.

This is not Spotify’s first attempt at combining spoken word and music. Last year, the company launched “Your Daily Drive,” a personalized playlist that combined music and podcasts. However, this experience could sometimes feel disconnected, as the music and podcasts were not necessarily related.

The new format offers a more cohesive storytelling experience and may encourage creators to develop more music-integrated podcasts, potentially expanding Spotify’s podcast audience and revenue streams.

Spotify reported a 50% increase in its podcast catalog this summer, reaching 1.5 million shows, and its podcast advertising revenue saw strong performance in the latest quarter.

The company has also been actively securing prominent names for its podcast lineup, including Michelle Obama, Kim Kardashian West, and Joe Rogan. However, initial data suggests these deals may be more effective for retaining existing users than attracting new ones, and they represent a substantial financial investment. (And the Rogan deal has faced some controversy).

By opening up music-filled podcast creation to a wider audience, Spotify has a cost-effective method for expanding its podcast library and reaching a broader range of listeners.